#EatTogether Day

Cumberland News Now

Published: Jun 22 at 2:39 p.m.

No-Cook Summer Nachos with Sriracha Sour Cream - Contributed

Foodwise with Kerri Robichaud RD

When we think of healthy eating habits, we typically consider only the foods we should – or should not – eat. However, more research is beginning to show that gathering with others around the dinner table has many health benefits for people of all ages. When we sit together at the table, we relax. We are able to share stories, build relationships, learn from each other’s mistakes and triumphs, create bonds and enhance our wellbeing. Eating together also encourages meals that are more nutritious, supports early childhood development, helps improve communication skills, increases productivity, and can even lead to a greater job satisfaction!

Despite these and other benefits of this simple act, recent research has found that the vast majority of Canadians still eat alone most of the time. According to a recent survey by Presidents Choice, almost half (42%) of all Canadians eat lunch alone every day at work, and two thirds eat lunch alone at least three times during each work week. Eating alone is not a natural human behavior, but a learned one that seems to get more prevalent once we enter the workforce. This behavior continues even though the majority (66%) of working Canadians recognize the workplace benefits of eating with colleagues. These benefits may include improved communication and relationships with coworkers, increased happiness, greater job satisfaction, and greater productivity.

Help to build a strong company culture by organizing communal healthy lunch or breakfast programs at your office. This may not be feasible every day, but try making it a weekly or monthly event. Bring in a catering company or local chef to whip up some tasty dishes for colleagues to try. Providing workers with healthy snacks throughout the day can also encourage a positive work environment. Try setting up a snack station once a week when productivity tends to be lowest. Have a designated room for these gatherings where colleagues can sit, relax and mingle with others. Encourage employees to spend at least 15 minutes in the lunchroom before heading back to their desk. Remember, a team that eats together, stays together!

Last year, President’s Choice embarked on a mission to bring Canadians back to the table to eat together. This year, the journey continues with PC hosting its second annual Eat Together Day on Friday, June 22. With many Canadians agreeing they should be eating lunch with colleagues on a more regular basis, this is the perfect opportunity to start this habit. On June 22, our local Atlantic Superstore will be hosting a public barbecue over the lunch hour, with donations supporting President’s Choice Children’s Charity and local childhood nutrition programs. In Cumberland county, PCCC supports school nutrition programs at River Hebert District School, Junction Road Elementary, West End Memorial Elementary, West Highlands School, Amherst Regional High School and Northport Consolidate Elementary School.

Stop by the Amherst Superstore from 11 AM to 3 PM on June 22 to share the foods you love, and more importantly, meet some new friends and make some memories. To create your own Eat Together event, and invite friends and colleagues to join, register at www.facebook.com/pceattogether.

These No-Cook Summer Nachos with Sriracha Sour Cream are a great addition to any workplace potluck or summer barbeque. Make the recipe more workplace-friendly by substituting shrimp for lentils, beans or leftover chicken. For a little extra protein, use a plain yogurt instead of sour cream.

Kerri Robichaud is a Registered Dietitian with Atlantic Superstore in Amherst, Nova Scotia.

Have a nutrition question? Want to book an appointment or shop with the dietitian? Book online at www.atlanticsuperstore/dietitians, contact me by phone at (506) 866-2115 or by email at kerri.robichaud2@loblaw.ca.